Councillors object to betting shop plans for Barclays site

Driffield Town Council has expressed its objections to proposals to convert the former Barclays Bank into a betting shop.

As reported in the Wolds Weekly, Boyle Sports has applied to convert the bank on Market Place into a betting shop, and says it will create six jobs and potentially invest a six-figure sum into transforming the premises.

Barclays in Market Place closed last January and a deal was struck initially with commercial property investors with a view to bringing in a high street retailer.

That fell through and last June, a national care home provider was said to be looking to turn the building into its offices.

However, Boyle Sports has now applied for permission to change to use of the building to a betting shop.

Discussing the proposals, councillors said they objected to a third betting shop being erected within such close proximity to the two existing bookmakers on Driffield’s high street.

They said with the issues associated with gambling, they did not believe this was a suitable use of the building and objected on social and economic grounds.

In relation to a secondary application to erect illuminated signage on the outside of the building, Driffield Town Council has again objected and said that in a conservation area, signage of this type is not suitable.

Sharon McHugh, head of communications for BoyleSports, said: “Before opening at any location BoyleSports undertakes extensive market research.

“We identified Driffield as a location that would benefit from our unique retail environment and innovative industry leading offers, and we hope we will be able to open to the betting public in Driffield towards the end of the summer.

“In addition to the 26 temporary construction jobs, the new shop will also create 3 full time and 3 part time jobs and support numerous supply chain roles. BoyleSports will also be investing in the region of £300,000 to provide a first-rate betting shop in this location.

“We pride ourselves on ensuring our customers have an enjoyable and comfortable space to bet and we look forward to bringing our Driffield customers more choice along with excellent service in the new retail outlet.”

BoyleSports is the largest independent retail bookmaker in Ireland and says it is actively expanding its retail and online presence in the UK.